ABINGDON TOWN NEWS

Embarrassing Game For Town - 29 March

The Oxford Mail reports Abingdon Town officials were forced to apologise to arch rivals Abingdon United after losing an ‘embarrassing’ derby clash 17-0 against United's Development team, with just seven of the Town players left on the pitch at the final whistle.

The newspaper report states, already down to ten men after Aaron Andrews had been sent off, two other Town players simply walked off after goals 11 and 13 went in, with another departing through injury late on.

The outcome of the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 2 East clash left bemused spectators scratching their head. "I think people were just standing there in disbelief,” said United secretary John Blackmore. “It was embarrassing – for everyone really. In a local derby you expect a good, hard-fought game. It started that way, but quickly went downhill. To be fair to Abingdon Town’s management, they came in afterwards and said to us that they were extremely embarrassed and apologised. But I have certainly never seen anything like it before.”

Abingdon Town chairman Jayson Lyon said he wanted to to find out the full details before commenting. The Uhlsport Hellenic League will wait to receive reports from both clubs and the referee before deciding if they need to take further action.

Abbots On A Run - 23 February

Abingdon Town welcome Virginia Water to Culham Road tomorrow, with hopes of completing the double on them and collecting another three points in Division 2 East.

"After beating Long Crendon 4-0 in the week there is a very buoyant mood amongst the camp. It was a tough game, Crendon are a competitive team and had their fair share of chances. I have heard they are blaming the pitch, but most pitches are like it at this time of the year. Their boys are full of banter too and so are their management team, but I think I won that game too," chuckles manager Stuart Parsons. "We beat Virginia Waters 4-0 at their place and are looking to continue our run we are on, so are hoping for another three points on the board this week."

Louis George is not match fit after his suspension and Jake Lewis is still a long way off of being fit to play, other than the whole squad is available for selection.

"With Abingdon United on Tuesday we will be wanting the right result to continue building the lads confidence," comments Parsons. "I think that this weekend should bring me the result we want and can move onto the midweek derby with the right frame of mind."

Two East Cup Contest - 20 February

Abingdon Town host Division Two East’s table toppers Long Crendon in the Bluefin Sport Supplementary Cup tonight at Culham Road. The last time the two sides met the game ended as a 4-4 draw. Abingdon Town had fought their way back from being 3-1 down to go ahead through a Sean Leach header only for Long Crendon to grab a last minute equaliser.

“We were far from full strength in our last meeting,” states manager Stuart Parsons. “We will be looking for a much better result this evening. Obviously my main priority is going all out to win the league, but it would be good to progress further in the Cup and have a good run. Everyone loves a day out for a final!”

The game comes a day or so early for Brad Walters to be involved, as he returns from injury and it is unlikely that Jake Lewis will play much part for the rest of this season as he recovers from an operation on his wrist. Teenager Conor Taylor misses out due to work commitments. Louis George becomes available selection after eventually serving the final game of a three match ban.

“Jake is a loss to the side, he is a talented player that has a good range of passing and is good with the ball at his feet. We have cover for him though and those players are just as good,” comments Parsons “It’s a shame about Brad too, he is an exciting player. He has quick feet, is very positive with the ball, bags of pace and is very confident. I am looking forward to finally getting to watch him play. Gino (Louis George) finally completing his suspension must feel like a relief to him. It seems like an eternity since it started yet was only a three game suspension.”

Abbot's Home To Rangers - 16 February

Abingdon Town host Thame Rangers Reserves at Culham Road this weekend in an Uhlsport Hellenic League Division Two East League game.

The reverse fixture saw Thame take the three points against a 9 man Abbott’s. “It was a very bad day that day, we had two men sent off, one was our keeper and the other, I felt, was very harshly sent off. We were 2-0 down from a very good free kick and a fluke goal. We dominated possession, but just didn’t create enough in the final third,” comments manager Stuart Parsons. “At 2-0 we had two players sent off and still continued to dominate the play and even scored. Unfortunately they scored a break away goal and won the game.”

Abingdon will be without midfielder Jake Lewis, who is recovering from an operation on his wrist and Louis George who is still to serve the final game of his three match ban. New signing Brad Walters will have to wait to make his debut as he has picked up an ankle injury.

“We are nearly at full strength at the moment, something we were far from at the last game against Thame,” say Parsons. “I am hoping for a total reverse of the last result. I have a good squad at my disposal this time. Jake and Gino (Louis George) are a big miss, but with the rest of the squad available I am not too worried. I was looking forward to giving Brad a go, but he isn’t far from being fit so hopefully his chance will come soon enough.”

Abingdon Town News - 9 February

Abingdon Town are looking forward to a Division Two East away trip to play Stokenchurch tomorrow.

The Abbotts will be looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat at Culham Road at the end of October. Abingdon are back on track now, but need to win all of their remaining games to be in with a chance of winning the league. “We lost 1-0 to Stokenchurch at home at the beginning of our bad patch,” says manager Stuart Parsons, “Basically it was an early smash and grab, they got an early goal and put all their men behind the ball and held on for their life. Fair play to them, it worked for them and they got the three points.”

Abingdon will be missing Aaron Andrews, Callum Bloomfieldand Kieran Davis due to work commitments, Joe Cookand Kane Slaymaker who is currently recovering from an operation on his wrist. Louis George, is still to complete the third game of his three match ban. This could make room for new teenage signing Brad Walker to make his debut.

“We have a few on the injury list and have a few away due to work commitments. We haven’t got a massive squad but we do have a gifted squad so I am not too worried about the players missing, but I do wish the injured ones a speedy recovery and hope Jake’s operation has been successful,” says Parsons. “I am hoping to see Brad in action this weekend. He has quick feet, is pacey and has a good range of passing. He has looked really good at training and has fitted in well with the lads. I am also lucky to have a talented keeper in Leachy (Sean Leach) to cover Kane (Slaymaker) so it isn’t too much of a drama to be missing our keeper.”

Tournaments At Abingdon Town - 24 January

Abingdon Town have scheduled two tournaments for 2018 - the first a Darts Tournament with a £500.00 purse in February, the second a two day Youth Football Tounament in September.

The “Cash Prize” Darts Competition will be held at their Culham Road Ground on Sunday 25 February.
Doors open 10am and close 10pm
Tournament runs 12pm- Estimated close 6pm - Entry £10 per person - Guaranteed £500 minimum prize pool

To register early interest please let us know by contacting the club or turn up on the day.

The Small Sided Football Tournament will take place over the weekend of 1 and 2 September. Entries close on 30th July. It will be played on their new pitches next to the ground, with the finals on the main pitch.

The tournament will be open to U7 to U14’s who will compete in groups, leading to knock out stages. This year they also be welcoing applications from girls teams in Under 13 and Under 14 age groups. All games will be played six aside with a maximum squad size of ten players.

Dilemmas and Headaches - 22 January

Abingdon Town host top of the Two East table, Long Crendon in the Bluefin Sport Supplementary Cup this Saturday.

This will be Crendon's second trip to Culham Road this season, the first encounter was a gripping 4-4 draw, with Sean Leach, normally a keeper playing on pitch and scoring twice.

There will be some late fitness tests on Stevie Andrews and Paul Bough, both thigh injuries and Jake Lewis, hamstring. Captain Carl Bloomfield, is a doubt due to family commitments, Kieran Davis is unavailable due to work commitments and Louis George serves the last game of a three match ban. Josh West returns to the squad after suffering a knee injury.

“We have a small squad and this week I will probably be worrying till the actual match to see what sort of squad we will have,” says manager Stuart Parsons. “To be honest it seems just like the last time we met Long Crendon. That was a nightmare of a day. We were very short, Leachy even started up top!!! Fair enough he done well and scored two brilliant headers, but it is not ideal having your stand in keeper starting on pitch, and he hadn’t played for a few years. We had players arriving late and other stuff going on that added to the stress of the day. Crendon got a couple of early goals, but we fought back to go 4-3 in front and then Crendon got a last minute equaliser. It was an exciting game for the spectators, but I was left disappointed as I feel we should have won that game. We are off and running in 2018 and I am just looking at each game as they come, obviously we want to win every game, but I am not planning ahead too far.”

Game Off - 20 January

Abingdon Town's Uhlsport Hellenic League Division Two East fixture against London Rangers scheduled for today has been called off.

London Rangers are struggling to field a side. “It’s a shame the game is off, but it gives Josh West and Jake Lewis an extra week to get back to fitness without missing a game” says manager Stuart Parsons. “On the downside, Louis George still has one game to serve on his three match ban, which he has not been able to fulfil for around six weeks. We had a fair few missing this week due to injuries and work commitments so it has done us a slight favour too. It is what it is though and we now look forward to playing Long Crendon in the Cup next week.”

Abingdon will host Long Crendon at home on Saturday 27th January in the Bluefin Sports Supplementary Cup.

Abbot's New Year Starts With A Bang - 11 January

Abingdon Town started the year with a win that saw them climb up to third and knock undefeated Chalvey Sports off of the top spot last Saturday at Culham Road.

“It was a great win for us. The side were up for the game and generally there was a good vibe in the dressing room before the game. The team seemed more like we were at the beginning of the season, pressing high and competing for everything” comments manager Stuart Parsons. “We totally dominated the first half and practically penned Chalvey back into their own half. In the second half Chalvey put up more of a fight, but despite a lucky penalty they never really threatened a proper comeback. It was a good all round performance, with a goal from Cookie (Joe Cook) and a great finish from Kizza (Kieran Davis).”

After a seven day approach was lodged by North Leigh Development for Callum Tighe the club are pleased to announce that the youngster has decided to stay with the Abbotts. “I’m really pleased that Callum has decided to stay with us. He is a talented young lad that has a bright future in football, where ever he plays. He can operate in a number of positions and has scored more than a few goals in his time with us” comments Parsons.

The Abbotts are away to Chinnor this weekend and hope to build on their last result and resume their title challenge. It will be the team’s first outing in their new away kit which is sponsored by The Three Horseshoes, Garsington. Aaron Andrews and Callum Tighe return to the squad Ryan Macer is unavailable, David Michno is sidelined with glandular fever, Louis George serves the second game of a three match suspension and Jake Lewis is a doubt.

“Azza (Aaron Andrews) and Callum T returning will be a massive boost to our attacking options” says Parsons. “Macer and Polish (David Michno) were missing for the last game, they will be missed and will be another big boost when they return. Jake is 50/50, he came off late in the game last week with a ham string problem and also has a pre op for an operation on his wrist, so I am waiting to find out about his availability. The mood is good amongst the lads and a lot of belief has been restored. We will be travelling to Chinnor wanting to bring back three points with us this weekend!”

Cup Derby - 4 October

After cruising past London Rangers Abingdon Town face a debut in the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup against Didcot Town Reserves this evening at the Draycott Engineering Loop Meadow Stadium.

The Abbotts have won all four of their opening league games, scoring an impressive 27 goals. Despite The Railwaymen being a League above Abingdon the Abbott's are confident of making their way to the next round, where they could face Bishops Cleve Development after they defeated New College Swindon 3-1 in last night's first round tie.

Paul Bough misses out through injury, Connor Taylor missing due to work commitments and Levi Hyde-Thomas returning to University. This means Ryan Macer comes back in to the squad after his holiday and see's manager Louis George called up for action, again.

"The boys are oozing confidence at the moment and I personally believe we have a very good chance of beating them" claims Stuart Parsons . "As a group we are ambitious and we see this as a chance to see where abouts we are in relation to the teams in the league above."

"I totally agree with Piggy (Parsons), I see no reason as to why we shouldn't be confident going into this game. We have scored 27 goals in four games, fair enough that is against teams from a league below Didcot, but we are scoring a lot of goals!!!" States co-manager Adam Taylor, "We don't want to stay in Division 2 for longer than this season so need to see if the team we have built is good enough to go higher or whether we will have to add to our current squad or even if we are going to have to have a whole rebuild on our hands. We are really looking forward to see how we fair."

"As a former Didcot player I am absolutely buzzing for tonight." Says defender David Michno, "We have a good side, who are also a great bunch of lads. The managers are decent blokes too, all round I am enjoying being part of the rebuilding at the club."

First Away Trip - 1 September

Abingdon Town make their first Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 2 trip away of the 2017-18 season when they visit Aston Clinton tomorrow.

Abingdon will be looking to build on their opening day Derby victory over Abingdon United Development with another win. "In my opinion the 3-2 score line flattered United. We had a penalty miss and quite a few other Close shaves, yet we gifted United one of their goals and for the rest of the game they had very limited opportunities. They are not a bad side though and I think they will take points off of teams this season" comments manager Adam Taylor. "With it only being the second game of the season it is hard to judge what Aston Clinton will be like, so we will be taking this Saturdays game seriously and won't be holding anything back. We are confident we can come away with maximum points, but are weary enough not to take any opposition lightly."

David Michno is a doubt through a groin injury, but Levi Hyde-Thomas is available after returning from an ankle injury.

Abingdon Derby Day - 26 August

The fifth oldest club in the country Abingdon Town Football Club make their return to competitive football today,after a year of not having a side. Fittingly against the team from the opposite side of the river Thames, Abingdon United Development.

Town make their return to the Uhlsport Hellenic League too, after leaving the league due to financial reasons in 2014.

The club has had a total revamp with a lot of work being done in and around the ground, including the pitch. Since the sad loss of former Chairman Tom Larman, the club has been taken over by an ambitious and driven Jayson Lyons, who has some very good links in non league football and has some big aspirations for the club.

He has passed on the task of guiding The Abbotts through their first season and Uhlsport Hellenic League Division Two East to Louis George, Stuart Parsons and Adam Taylor. The trio will be working hard to push the side for promotion this year and they have high expectations of their team. They have done well in bringing in some established Hellenic League One players and players with a lot of experience in sides from the top end of the Oxfordshire Senior Leagues Premier Division. They have assembled a good side, but have their feelers out and will be looking to add to the side in the coming weeks, with some established Hellenic players in advanced talks with the club.

Town open their campaign with a massive derby game against neighbours Abingdon United Development at Culham Road.

"We have been busy over the summer and we hope all our labours come to fruition today" says Stuart Parsons. "The players are buzzing for this game and so are me, Ads (Taylor) and Gino (Louis George). We really feel we can do well this season and want to be part of the clubs new era, and bring success to the club."

More Sponsors For Abbots - 14 August

Abingdon Town appear to be well supported by sponsors as they prepare for their return to the Hellenic League.

Crystal Windows and The Three Horse Shoes (Garsington) have joined the growing number of Managers/Players Sponsors at the club. Crystal Windows have sponsored manager Adam Taylor and are a window cleaning company that covers Oxfordshire and surrounding areas. They offer a range of other services including cleaning fascias, gutter clearance and maintenance and conservatory valets. The Three Horse Shoes in Garsington have sponsored attacker Aaron Andrews and wide man Joe Cook. The Three Horse Shoes has a big garden with a children's play area and wonderful views over the Chiltern Hills and surrounding countryside. They offer a menu of freshly home cooked food.

New Abbot's Management Sponsor - 11 August

Bremner Glass and Glazing offer a variety of services from replacing a pane of glass to installing conservatories. The company has over ten years of experience and covers all over Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.

"I am really pleased to be sponsored by Bremner Glass & Glazing. With Luke (the owner of BG&G) being a personal friend, I really appreciate him supporting me," states Parsons "I have also worked with Luke so know how good he is at his job, he has also carried out work for several members of my family and has always done a great job! He always supplies products that are of a good standard and his prices are very competitive. Without the help of companies like Bremner Glass & Glazing football wouldn't be the same, and I can not express my gratitude enough."

"I would love to still be playing the beautiful game, but due to an injury I can't. This is my way of giving something back to the sport I loved playing and with a few of my mates that I played with playing for the Abbotts I will not only be a sponsor, but a supporter too" says Luke Bremner.

Shirt Sponsors - 10 August

Uhlsport Hellenic League Division Two East Abingdon Town have agreed on a shirt sponsorship partnership with RJS Waste Management.

Over the 150 years of the clubs history it has seen many different types of shirts, but with the help of RJS Waste Management, we are able to keep with the traditional Yellow and Green look, in a nice new look format. RJS Waste Management has become one of the UK’s leading complete solution waste collection, disposal and recycling service for businesses throughout the U.K. They specialize in hazardous waste and “difficult” non-hazardous waste, that should not be landfilled, for businesses ranging from small independents to larger companies, factories, construction companies and multinational organisations.

Chairman Jayson Lyon says: “The new kit sponsorship, helps us create a new look for this young expanding team, we are looking at progression and we need to look the part. Our young enthusiastic youth academy is looking to the future and sponsors is the way forward, RJS have not only sponsored the first team, but they will also be on all the junior level kits as well, increasing their support into our future foundation They’ve backed the club and have loads of ideas on how they can help Abingdon Town in the future”

Russell Shrives-Wrist, of RJS Waste Management Solutions
“The RJS team are excited to support a local team that is making massive strides off of the pitch and hopefully on it too. I'm sure the team will have a very successful season and we look forward to being part of it.”

More Sign On At Town - 8 August

Abingdon Town have been busy signing more players as they look at finalising their squad.

Wide man Callum Tighe formerly of OSL sides OUP and Garsington and forward Paul Bough, who previously played for Ardley United both signed after Towns 2-1 win over OUP. 16 year old Connor Taylor impressed while training with the Abbott’s and during the few games he played and also put pen to paper after the win over OUP. Attacker Kieran Davis whose previous clubs include Abingdon Town, Abingdon United, AFC Hinksey, North Leigh, Oxford City Nomads and Witney United signed for Abingdon after bagging a brace in the 6-0 win over OSL side Middleton Cheney, taking his preseason total for the Abbott’s up to seven so far, including a hat trick against Headington Amateurs. On the same night defender Tony Njogu, who played for Thame Rangers last season and former Didcot Town Reserves player Charles Appiala also signed on that night.

AHC Autos and AHC Property Maintenance, have joined the list of companies sponsoring Abingdon Towns players and management staff.

AHC Autos have sponsored one of the management team Louis George. AHC Autos are a garage based on Sandy Lane, Oxford that is open 24/7. It offers a variety of services which include M.O.T's, wheel refurbishment and bodywork repairs. "It's great that AHC Autos have sponsored me," says manager Louis George. "I am grateful for their contribution to the club, and even more pleased that they chose me to be the face of their sponsorship with Abingdon Town."

AHC Property Maintenance are sponsoring utility player George Lovegrove. At AHC Property Maintenance, they have numerous highly trained staff that covers the full range of property maintenance and refurbishment services. With over 30 years of experience under our belts, you won’t find a more talented team of tradesmen, including plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, painters, etc. anywhere else!
Each member of their staff is licenced and certified, has passed a CRC (Criminal Record Check). "As a tradesman, I feel that being sponsored by AHC Property maintenance is a fitting sponsor for myself and I am proud to have been chosen to be sponsored by them," comments Lovegrove.

Abingdon Town Seek Friendly - 7 August

Abingdon Town were due to play Faringdon Town on Tuesday 8th August, but due to injuries and work commitments Faringdon Town have had to pull out. The Abbotts are now looking for another opponent to replace this fixture and are willing to play on either 8 or Thursday 10 August, the fixture would have to be an away fixture, Abingdon are willing to contribute to any costs. Please contact manager, Stuart Parsons in 07500311229 or email info@abingdonfc.co.uk if your club are interested.

Brothers Callum, Carl and Craig Bloomfield have all been sponsored by JT's Cocktail Bar & Club for their 2017-18 campaign at Abingdon Town. "It's great that JT's have sponsored all three of us," says middle brother Carl. "All three of us really appreciate it, I'm sure we'll be making ourselves known to all of the staff there!"

JT's have also agreed to sponsor the Abbotts Man of the Match award, giving each winner of the award a VIP Package for up to ten guests, including a bottle of champagne and vodka. "It's a great package to offer the players, and very generous," comments manager Louis George. "I'll be making sure they won't be visiting there on Friday nights though."

JT's is situated on George Street in Oxford City Centre and is open 7pm-3am, Thursday to Sunday, and is available for private functions.

Pen’s To Paper - 1 August

Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 2 East Abingdon Town have been busy signing players over the past week.

On Tuesday the Abbotts signed on three of Headington Amateurs regulars from last season. Young centre back Callum Bloomfield, his older brother Carl who got 22 goals for the A's last term and 2016-17 Managers Player Josh West. The Bloomfield’s oldest brother Craig also put pen to paper along with former Oxford City player Jake Lewis, Aaron Andrews who has played for Abingdon United and Kidlington, Levi Hyde and another former Amateurs player, Joe Cook.

On Thursday after their win over Headington Amateurs the Abbotts collected more signatures as they begin to finalise their squad. Goalkeeper Kane Slaymaker, David Michno formerly of Bicester Town and Didcot Town Reserves, centre midfielder Prince Basanti who previously played Ardley United and Oxford City Nomads, attacker Dominic Johnson, defender George Lovegrove and utility man Lee Trinder. Goalkeeper Sean Leach also signed after Abingdon's 2-2 draw with Letcombe.

"The three of us are happy with the signing’s we are making and think we are building a side that is good enough to compete in this division" says manager Stuart Parsons. "I think we have a good mix of young talent and experience across the board. We will be adding a few more players to the squad, but not much more." "We don't want a big squad and want to keep the side as tight knit as possible. We don't want to have to try and keep players happy by having to rotate the team around while still trying to be competitive and all that Harry Carrie" adds co manager Adam Taylor. "Obviously if the right players come along we might change our mind and sign them but we are pretty much at the capacity of where we want to be." "I have been really impressed with all of the players that have made it through the pre season. There are some great lads here and the more we get together the stronger the bond between us is becoming, and the banter is really flowing at the moment" says Louis George. "I really am excited about the side and think we will do well this season."

"Abbot's" Pre-Season - 31 July

Abingdon have now played four games in preseason and have lost one, won two and drew one. The first game was a harsh loss at Chinnor, then the Abbotts hammered their lodgers Zubry 9-1, a well deserved win against Headington Amateurs was followed by a hard fought draw with Letcombe.

"We are hoping that OUP are going to be good opposition to play against," comments Adam Taylor "We have done well over the last few weeks, performance wise. Saturday was a real test and we feel that we put in a good shift and deserved the draw, probably a fair result for both sides if I'm honest. We hope that OUP can bring that sort of intensity to the game and get the boys blowing."

Abingdon Town kick off their Uhlsport Hellenic League Division Two season 26 August against neighbours Abingdon United Development. The team are still looking for friendlies so if any teams out there are looking for a friendly please get in contact with the club.